Shandong Folk Songs: Exploring the Aesthetic Characteristics and Melodic Commonalities of "Embroidering the Lotus Pouch"

Chinese music stands out uniquely on the global musical stage, and Shandong folk songs are among its most brilliant jewels. Have you ever wondered what cultural codes and artistic charms lie behind these century-old melodies? Today, let's delve into the world of Shandong folk songs and explore the aesthetic characteristics and melodic commonalities of "Embroidering the Lotus Pouch."

Why is the Shandong folk song "Embroidering the Lotus Pouch" worth our in-depth study?

Shandong, an ancient and vibrant land, has given birth to a rich tapestry of folk arts. Shandong folk songs, as an essential part of Qilu culture, carry the spiritual wealth and historical memories of the people of Shandong. "Embroidering the Lotus Pouch," as a classic piece of Shandong folk songs, not only reflects the customs and emotional world of the Shandong people but also showcases the unique charm of traditional Chinese music. This research by Zijie Xing from Tufts University reveals the aesthetic characteristics and melodic commonalities of "Embroidering the Lotus Pouch," providing us with a new perspective to understand this cultural treasure.

From Aesthetic Characteristics to Melodic Commonalities: The Dual Charm of "Embroidering the Lotus Pouch"

Aesthetic Characteristics:

"Embroidering the Lotus Pouch" captures the deep affection of a young girl for her beloved through its simple yet expressive melody. The song's melodic lines flow naturally, with a lively rhythm that exudes a sense of daily life. The lyrics are simple yet poetic, using the act of embroidering a lotus pouch to depict the girl's delicate emotions and longing for love. This artistic approach of focusing on a small detail to convey a larger theme not only gives the song emotional depth but also makes it easy for listeners to resonate with.

Melodic Commonalities:

By analyzing different versions of "Embroidering the Lotus Pouch" from various regions, we can identify melodic commonalities. Despite variations in melodic details, these versions all revolve around a few core notes, forming a unique "melodic skeleton." These core notes not only provide the basic melodic framework but also reflect the regional characteristics and cultural connotations of Shandong folk songs. For example, in the version from Cangshan County, the core notes B-flat, D, and F form the tonic (Gong), mediant (Jiao), and dominant (Zhi) in the pentatonic scale, giving the song a stable melodic foundation and a distinct regional style.

Social Phenomenon Analysis: The Inheritance and Development of Folk Songs in Contemporary Society

In today's culturally diverse environment, the inheritance and development of traditional folk songs face many challenges. However, "Embroidering the Lotus Pouch" continues to be widely sung among the people, reflecting what social phenomena?

On one hand, as urbanization accelerates and traditional lifestyles are gradually replaced by modern ones, people's love for traditional culture has not waned. "Embroidering the Lotus Pouch," as a representative of Shandong folk songs, is not only a form of art but also a cultural memory. It carries the Shandong people's nostalgia for their hometown and their adherence to traditional culture. On the other hand, with the growing cultural confidence, more and more people are paying attention to and learning traditional folk songs. Through various forms such as school education and cultural activities, Shandong folk songs continue to be passed down among the younger generation.

Conclusion: The Artistic Value and Cultural Significance of Shandong Folk Songs

"Embroidering the Lotus Pouch" is not only a beautiful song but also a precious cultural heritage. By exploring the aesthetic characteristics and melodic commonalities of "Embroidering the Lotus Pouch," we can better understand the unique charm of Shandong folk songs and feel the cultural wisdom and emotional world of the Shandong people. Just as Zijie Xing's research reveals the artistic value of "Embroidering the Lotus Pouch," it also reflects the emotions and lives of the Shandong people in the context of urban-rural transformation.

Let us pay attention to the inheritance and development of Shandong folk songs together and explore how to give traditional folk songs new vitality in modern society. Through innovative performance forms, educational methods, and dissemination means, let Shandong folk songs shine anew in the new era and ensure that this precious cultural heritage is passed down forever.

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The study was published in Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, Hill Publishing Group

https://www.hillpublisher.com/ArticleDetails/3804  

How to cite this paper:  

Zijie Xing. (2024) Shandong Folk Songs: Exploration of the Aesthetics Characteristics and Melodic Commonalities. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, 8(9), 2101-2107.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2024.09.012